Augusta man dies in fire; no foul play suspected

No foul play is suspected in a Hancock County fire that killed an Augusta man earlier this week, according to a Sheriff Scott Bentzinger.

A fire that occurred sometime between Saturday, July 26, and Tuesday, July 29, in a house at 201 Second St. in Augusta, according to a news release, resulted in the death of of 44-year-old Jerry R. Kauffman, whose preliminary autopsy indicates he succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke inhalation.

The release states that the fire had apparently extinguished itself, "keeping the whole structure from burning." Bentzinger confirmed Thursday afternoon that Kauffman's body was discovered before noon Tuesday.

Now, the sheriff said he awaits the results of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's investigation into the fire.

"He's supposed to email me his report when it's done," Bentzinger said. "But I'm not sure when that will be."